A YAG/Nd:YAG block where an Nd:YAG block ends in a peak integrated inside a YAG block. The YAG block has reflective surfaces positioned at 45.degree. to one another. The angled reflective surfaces serve as a "mirror" within the laser cavity to effectively increase the length of the cavity by a factor greater than 2. Fused to the output end of the laser cavity are a polarizer, an active/passive Q-switch, a one quarter waveplate and an output coupler. In operation, the laser cavity is pumped either from the side or the end of the cavity. The optical components of the present invention are bonded to form one optical `block`. All the components are prealigned during the crystal manufacturing process to form the optical laser cavity. The width of the cavity should be selected such that nearly all of the laser diode pump output is absorbed by the cavity.